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I tested my water about 2 weeks ago and it was stable. I tested it today and the nitrAte is at 120 ppm and the nitrite is off the chart at over 10. What can I do??


29 gal.
4 cory cats
1 kissing fish
1 very small bala
2 white cloud tetras
4 red eye tetras
1 algae eater

Much Thanks,
Julie

Last edited by Balagirl at 03-Apr-2005 10:22

Hi,
There are a variety of reasons why one might wind up
with readings like that.

First, do the test a second time, perhaps you were
distracted while filling the vials or adding the drops.

Second, count your fish. Are they all still there or is
one, or more, dead and decaying behind a plant somewhere?

Assuming the previous answer is "No" then:

Take a water sample to your LFS and have them test your
water. Are the results the same or are they closer
to your normal readings?

If they are the same, then your town could have switched
water supplies (drawing from a different part of the
lake, river, or different well).

And/or,

If they are the same, then you need to change water more
regularly, beginning with a 20% water change, and while
you are at it, feed a little less in quantity, and vacuum
the gravel.

If they are different readings and closer to your normal
readings, purchase a new test kit as your reagents have
aged and are giving you false readings.

HTH...
Frank


Last edited by FRANK at 03-Apr-2005 10:34

Last edited by FRANK at 03-Apr-2005 10:35

-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Thanks for the advice. I read on here how to reduce nitrAte, but I'm not sure what to do about the nitrite. I will try what you said and go from there.

Thanks again
Julie

is it a new tank. better do water change, 25%. with that parameters, u could have lost some fish

It's pretty new...about 3 months. I counted all of my fish and they're all there. I went to my LFS and the lady suggested I use Algone and do a partial water change. I did that today, so hopefully it will work.

Last edited by Balagirl at 04-Apr-2005 20:07

*shakes head* LFS's never cease to amaze, and or horrify me .
For one reason or another you're experiencing a minicycle. These occur when a portion of your bacteria in your biofilter has been destroyed. Reasons for this include power outages longer than an hour, overcleaning, filter failure, sudden stocking additions ect.
If a minicycle occurs it's generally best to let it complete itself naturally. Dosing a bacterial starter such as cycle or biospira is sometimes suggested. Partial water changes as was suggested can help although they will increase the time that the fish will have to deal with the nitrItes.

Additionally, and I only post this because your new to the forum, your tanks stocking needs to be addressed. Specifically the "kissing fish" which I assume is a [link=kissing gourami]http://www.fishprofiles.com/files/profiles/kisser.xml" style="COLOR: #EB4288[/link] gets to be almost a foot in length, much larger than could go comfortably in that tank. Also of grave concern is the bala shark. They're not only schooling and very active swimmers but also reach sizes much too large for that tank. You'll either want to look into a 200 gallon or consider returning them to the store .

^_^[hr width='40%']"I'm alright, I'm alright
It only hurts when I breathe"

We live in a small town, so I'm not surprised that my LFS was wrong .

I've had my gourami for about 2 years and just moved him from another tank, so he's OK. He's about 4-5 inches long and has been for a very long time. As for the bala, I'll keep an eye on him. We had 2 before in a 30 gallon and they were fine. They didn't get very big. If he starts to get big I can take him back to my LFS.

Thanks